Epiphany 6 Year 1

Color: Green
Closest RCL Sunday(s):
Readings: Parable of the Kingdoms Sermon text – Matthew 13:24-43 Companion text – Psalm 84:1-7
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): Lord of stories, Jesus taught us through stories and the wisdom of the shared word. Teach us through your stories, that we may learn, grow, and love. For the sake of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #516. Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
ELW #416. At the Name of Jesus
ELW #693. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
ELW #422. For All the Saints
ELW #713. O God of Every Nation
ELW #736. God the Sculptor of the Mountains
ELW #485. I Am the Bread of Life
ELW #775. Jesus, Priceless Treasure
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #631. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
ELW #787. On Eagle’s Wings
ELW #519. Open Your Ears, O Faithful People
ELW #244. Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
ELW #680/1. We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Aramos nuestros campos)
WOV #753. You Are the Seed
Various Hymnals Anthem (1978) by Tom Conry
Various Hymnals Bringing in the Sheaves (1874) by Knowles Shaw
Various Hymnals The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy (1973) by Bryn Rees
Various Hymnals The Reign of God (2003) by Delores Dufner
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; WOV=With One Voice)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #816. Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life
ELW #740. God of the Sparrow
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #545. Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing
ELW #842. Oh, Worship the King
ELW #537. On Our Way Rejoicing
WOV #671. Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks
Various Hymnals Better Is One Day (1995) by Matt Redman
Various Hymnals How Lovely Is Your Dwelling (1991) by Jean Janzen
Various Hymnals Safely Through Another Week (1774) by John Newton
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship; LBW=Lutheran Book of Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Build Your Kingdom Here” By Rend Collective Experiment.
“Mustard Seed” By Roots for Rain.
“My Lighthouse” As performed by Rend collective
“You Never Let Go” By Beth Redman, Matt Redman.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

Sisters and brothers, let us lift our hearts in faith to the one who hears all prayers and holds close all those in need.

A brief silence.

Plant your kingdom in the church, O God, grow deeper faith in us and make us better workers for your kingdom. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sustain the earth with your care, O God, and make us better planters and sowers of the abundance you provide for the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring your kingdom to bear on the nations, O God, that your reign of peace and justice be overrule our selfish and greedy systems. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant us wisdom in serving you, O God, and bring us into loving service toward our neighbors. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Strengthen the sick and suffering, O God, and provide endurance, compassion, and insight to all who provide comfort and healing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless us who gather in your house today, O God, and send us forth in strength to share your love and joy with the world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

Bring all the saints to their heavenly home, O God, that all your people may sing your praises in eternity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy God, you gather the whole universe into your radiant presence and continually reveal your Son as our Savior. Bring healing to all wounds, make whole all that is broken, speak truth to all illusion, and shed light in every darkness, that all creation will see your glory and know your Christ. Amen.